Date: 11-23-14
Text: — James 3:9-12 — 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Take advantage of this holiday season to publicly bless your brothers and sisters (both blood family & Blood Family).
My Thoughts:
How often do you get a chance to bless someone with words of gratitude and encouragement? Many times formal Sunday celebration services do not offer opportunities to do this, particularly in larger congregations. Aside from our annual Praise in the Park, we have a few Sunday throughout the year to offer an opportunity for public praise and blessing. This morning, this Sunday before Thanksgiving, is one such opportunity.
Lifestyle worshipers, whether or not your church offers such an opportunity, take advantage of this holiday season to publicly bless your brothers and sisters (both blood family & Blood Family). A card, email, text, and the old fashion verbal blessing are all more than okay. Oh, and take this opportunity to demonstrate how healed your tongue is by continuing to publicly praise the Lord. This just might open some doors of opportunity for other conversations, too. What do you think? Your thoughts?
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
I will declare Your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise You. You who fear the Lord, praise Him! —Psalm 22:22-23a (NIV84)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. — Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV84)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV84)
Heavenly Father, overcome any hesitations in me that may prevent me from praising You and blessing my brothers and sisters in the gathered assembly. With a healed tongue, I praise You. With a healed tongue I bless my brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike